The best rubber inflatable boats in 2022

Inflatable boats are very popular among active people: hunters, fishermen and tourists. Why did the ships find their admirers? The thing is that the design of an inflatable boat is very convenient for transportation, storage and repair. It is easy to find all kinds of boat models in stores, but how to choose the right one from them? The task is not easy. Only experienced users will be able to take into account all the subtleties when buying a boat. For beginners, in order not to be deceived with the product, it is important to understand the issue.

Characteristics of materials for inflatable boats

Today, the market for inflatables is increasingly replenished with PVC products, which are becoming very popular. If the choice is made in favor of such a boat, you need to look at the quality, it must meet international standards. There are clear rules for each vessel in terms of wear resistance, strength, resistance to oils, solvents and ultraviolet radiation.

In addition to PVC, the material for an inflatable boat can be neoprene, hipalon, rubberized fabric.

Vessels from the latter are called rubber boats. Such boats are a little more difficult to store than PVC products, and polyvinyl chloride is better in strength, but to this day rubber boats have many admirers. There are several reasons for this: price - rubberized fabric is very cheap, which means that the ship itself is very affordable; such a boat is light; easy to repair - a product made of rubberized fabric will not be difficult to patch up if a puncture occurs; holds better at low temperatures and does not lose elasticity.

But rubber also has its drawbacks. Over time, it rots, so good care is important. Even rubberized fabric is less durable than more modern materials.
Rubber or PVC? It all depends on the budget and goals of the buyer.

Vessel Selection Criteria

In order to determine the boat to your liking, you need to answer yourself a few important questions:

1. How will the model be used? Hunting, fishing or tourist rafting - various boats are suitable for each type of leisure.
2. Will the boat be equipped with a motor, oars, and a hard plastic bottom? Inflatable keel - important?
3. Think about how many people should fit in the boat.
4. On what reservoirs the movement is planned, at what time of the year. The color of the ship also depends on this.
5. How important is the manufacturer?
6. Budget or more expensive models?

Boat dimensions

An important point that distinguishes the functionality of the models and their characteristics. For those who go on vacation with a company of like-minded people, a capacious boat is needed, on board of which more people can be taken.

If you plan to go out into nature alone, then it is easy to limit yourself to a single vessel. It is easy to use and even easier to transport due to its light weight. It is better to choose a boat at least two and a half meters in length. In such a swimming facility everything you need will fit.

Double rubber boats are longer, from three meters. It is difficult to cope with it alone, but it is more stable in strong winds.

Motor models

Although rubber inflatable boats are not designed for a motor, some models still have a transom, which can be either hinged or glued. It must be said that moving on a rubber boat with a motor will not be fast.

The motor for the vessel made of rubberized fabric has low power. It comes with petrol and electric.

A Russian manufacturer, such as the Yaroslavl Rubber Plant, offers a limited series of boats with a transom: the Volga and the Vega 3 and 12. They can be equipped with motors up to three horsepower.

Rowing boats

A more familiar version of the vessel made of rubberized fabric. Ideal if you plan to "swing on the waves" near the shore. The absence of a motor in the boat affects the mass, so it is more convenient to use it.

Top Producers

In the market of inflatable boats for several years there has been a change of leaders. A couple of years ago, Russian fishermen and just lovers of outdoor activities on the water preferred boats of the budget brands Ufimka, Dive, Ide, Ivolga, Zorka, Veterok, Chaika, Omega and "Fox". Among foreign manufacturers, Zodiac, Quicksilver and Stingray were popular, but their boats were significantly expensive.

To date, among the popular models that have received the most positive feedback, there are inflatable boats of brands:

1. LLC "PKF Mnev and K", St. Petersburg - has been manufacturing inflatable boats since 1988, more than 7 dozen models are in serial production, including motor-rowing and used only with a motor, the length of boats is from 200 to 800 cm
2. Fregat plant, St. Petersburg - is engaged in the production of boats for fishermen and hunters, the company's products are used by the Russian special services. The first inflatable boats were released in 1991.
3. LLC "Lotsman-SPB" is another manufacturer from the Northern capital, engaged in the production of boats, awnings for them, various accessories and components.
4. Solar - a Novosibirsk company is one of the largest boat manufacturers, creating models for different operating conditions using Finnish PVC material.
5. Intex - this manufacturer is one of the most famous in the field of creating inflatable goods: watercraft, pools, beds, balls - these are the few that are produced under this brand.

In today's review, inflatable boats from these manufacturers will be presented, which have earned a greater number of positive reviews.

Nuances when choosing

Before you buy a boat, you need to check the quality.The fabric should be rubberized on both sides - it will last longer and punctures will occur less often. "One-sided" tires can fail at the most inopportune moment.

When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the joints. Seams at the boat have the following types:

• Butt to butt is the most durable option.
• Overlapping - with such a connection, difficulties may arise. Here you can not see how the seams are glued, and therefore the boat can let air through.

The strength of the joints will be higher if there are seam tapes.

It is better to buy a boat with a hard, removable seat. This is much more convenient to use.
Manufacturers did not plan to create rubber boats with a hard bottom, so everything was limited to inflatable or simple rubber boats that you can’t stand on.

The type of bottom in a rubber boat does not play a special role. But if there is a choice between a model with a simple rubber and an inflatable one, then it is better to choose an inflatable one, it is considered safer.

The oars always come with a boat made of rubberized fabric. They will be either wooden or aluminum. Metal ones are lighter, but can sink. It is heavier from a tree, but they will not go to the bottom.

Requirements for rubber boats

The CIS has introduced mandatory registration of a vessel that is more than two and a half meters long and can carry more than 225 kilograms. Motor boats do not depend on the parameters and all are registered. At the same time, technical inspection, side numbers and taxes are an integral part.

Supervision may fine violators, as well as issue a ban on driving a swimming facility. If registration was not carried out, then you must have documents for the boat and motor confirming ownership.

Ship care rules

Any boat requires a "good" attitude.In order for it to last longer, you need to follow the storage recommendations:

1. If space permits, it is better to store the product in a straightened and slightly inflated state.
2. There is no place - so you can pack the boat in a protective case. But you need to do it right.
3. Before "twisting" you need to wash the entire vessel with soapy water, then the rodents will not be interested in your property.
4. In secluded corners - debris accumulates between the bottom and sides. It must be cleaned, and then rinsed with water and leave the vessel inflated.
5. After the boat has dried, it should be sprinkled with talcum powder.
6. After releasing the air, you need to carefully roll the boat from the back to the bow.
7. The twisted boat should be put in a case that will protect the rubber from ultraviolet radiation.
8. It is better to take out and twist the boat in a new way every two months so that the folds do not fray.
9. The product must be stored in a warm place. But if it is possible only at sub-zero temperatures, then it should be warmed up before pumping.

Top best rubber boats

It is not so easy to choose a boat that will delight you with driving characteristics, comfort and beauty on vacation. Some vessels are better than some models in some ways, but lose to others in other ways. The pros and cons of various swimming facilities are easy to find in the ranking of high-quality and popular models:

Inflatable boat Intex Explorer-300 Set (58332)

This is a rowing boat for three places, the material of which is non-reinforced PVC. The bottom is inflatable, the transom is built-in, the keel is not expected.

The dimensions of the craft: 117x211 cm, weight - 3.5 kg, diameter of the cylinders - 41 cm. The boat is capable of keeping afloat 182 kg.

Comes with: pump, oar structures, oarlocks.

Starting price - 1890 rubles.

• Due to its compact size does not require registration;
• Ease of transport due to low weight;
• Attractive design;
• The wide valve makes it easy to deflate the boat.

• The carrying capacity does not make it possible to accommodate more than 2 adults in the boat, although 3 places are declared;
• More suitable for recreation than for fishing, again, due to its compactness and load capacity;
• The oars are a little short, they can unwind, as they are a prefabricated structure.

Inflatable boat Pilot M-290

This watercraft involves the operation of a motor with a maximum power of up to 6 hp. Designed for 2-3 adults, load capacity - up to 250 kg. The bottom is non-inflatable, the transom is built-in with a height of 38.1 cm. The seats are rigid.

Included: oars, oarlocks, handrail cable, pumping apparatus, repair kit.

The boat is produced in green color, dimensions: 140 by 290 cm, cockpit: 58x192 cm, cylinder with a diameter of 38 cm. The craft weighs 32 kg.

Cost - from 21,300 rubles.

• The assembly is of high quality, all seams are welded, made neatly;
• Sliding seats;
• The presence of reinforcement around the perimeter and bottom of the cylinder.

• With a good carrying capacity, the boat is compact, i.e. for large fishermen will be cramped.

Inflatable boat Solar 350

Another inflatable boat, which provides for the installation of a motor with a maximum power of 10-15 hp. and weighing up to 34 kg. The craft material is reinforced PVC with an inflatable bottom. There is a built-in transom, inflatable keel. The boat is able to hold up to 500 kg, designed for 3-4 adults, seating on hard seats.The bottom is inflatable, the number of air compartments is 4.

Included: oars, oarlocks, carrying handles, pump, repair kit.

Boat dimensions: length - 350 cm, width - up to 175 cm, cockpit: 80x240 cm, cylinder in diameter - 45 cm. The boat weighs up to 47 kg, and the whole set - up to 52 kg.

The cost is from 49,950 rubles.

• The presence of a valve for draining water;
• Convenient carrying handles;
• Good load capacity;
• Lack of floorboard and, as a result, ease of assembly and disassembly.

• The stock pump is weak.

Inflatable boat Mnev and K Cayman N-300

This boat belongs to the type of motor boats, the recommended motor power is up to 10 hp. With. Designed for 3 places, the craft has a non-inflatable bottom with a collapsible plywood floorboard. Equipped with built-in transom and inflatable keel. Load capacity - 370 kg.

Complete set: oars, oarlocks, handrail cable, pump, repair kit, handles for transportation, removable awning.

Boat dimensions: 144x300 cm, cockpit: 66x224 cm, cylinder 39 cm in diameter, weighs 46 kg.

Cost - from 29,700 rubles.

• The presence of a valve for draining water;
• Handles included make it easy to carry;
• A light weight.

• Small enough already for 2 adult men;
• Payol complicates assembly.

Inflatable boat Intex Seahawk-3

The rowing boat is designed for 3 people, made of reinforced PVC, has an inflatable bottom and inflatable soft seats located in the bow and rear of the cockpit. On board can hold up to 300 kg.

The boat is equipped with a handrail cable, a repair kit, oarlocks and fishing rod holders.

The length of the craft is 295 cm, the width is 137 cm. The diameter of the cylinders is 43 cm, the air compartments are 2.The boat weighs just over 9 kg.

Cost - 6000 rubles.

• Light weight, not labor-intensive to carry;
• The rod holder makes it easier to catch fish.

• The boat, due to the lack of a keel, is not very suitable for a troubled body of water;
• Easy to punch;
• Cramped for the stated 3 seats.

Inflatable boat Frigate M-330

The motorboat is designed for 4 people and is able to hold up to 500 kg on board. The power of the motor, which is equipped with a water craft, should be in the range of 15-18 liters. With. There is a built-in transom and an inflatable keel. The bottom, depending on the modification, can be inflatable or not, with a plywood floorboard. There are three air compartments.

Included with the boat: hard seat, oars, oarlocks, handrail cable, pumping unit, repair kit.

Boat dimensions: 172x334 cm, cockpit - 45x251. Weight: 43-59 kg.

Cost - from 31,790 rubles.

• Convenient carrying handles;
• Easy to assemble;
• Stable even with impressive waves;
• Easy to clean.

• Weak regular pump;
• Difficult to fold after disassembly.

Inflatable boat Mnev and K 330

A motor boat with a non-inflatable bottom and floorboard made of plywood or aluminum. Depending on the modification, it can be equipped with 3-6 seats and have a load capacity of 420-610 kg. The motor, which can be installed on a watercraft, must have a power in the range of 18-25 liters. With. There is a built-in transom and an inflatable keel. Air compartments - 3.

What is included with the boat: hard seats, oars and oarlocks, a handrail cable, carrying handles, a pump, a repair kit, a removable awning.

Boat dimensions: length - 330 cm, width depends on the modification and can be 150-172 cm.Cockpit: 67-78x235-246 cm. The balloon is 40-47 cm in diameter. The boat weighs 52-66 kg.

Cost - from 32,650 rubles.

• Good load capacity and capacity;
• The presence of handles facilitates transportation;
• There is a valve for pumping water;
• Resistant to waves.

• Assembly is a little tricky.

Inflatable boat Solar Optima-350

Motor boat made of reinforced PVC with a density of 900 g/sq. m, equipped with an inflatable bottom, built-in transom and inflatable keel. The motor that is recommended to be used for this watercraft must have a power of up to 15 liters. With.

The boat is designed for three seats on hard seats and has a load capacity of 500 kg.

The kit includes a handrail cable, a fender, a repair kit, oars, oarlocks and handles for transportation.

Boat dimensions: 170x350 cm, cockpit: 80x240 cm. Cylinder in diameter - 45 cm. Boat weight 38 kg, and all equipment - 50 kg.

Cost: from 49,900 rubles.

• A light weight;
• Availability of handles for transportation;
• Convenience and ease of assembly.

• The pump in the kit is low-power, quickly fails.

Inflatable boat Mnev and K Cayman N-330

The motor boat, the bottom of which is not inflatable, the floorboard is made of plywood. The motor that is recommended to be used must have a power of up to 18 hp. With. The boat, which has an inflatable keel and a built-in transom, is equipped with hard seats and can accommodate three adults. The total weight that can be held on board is 420 kg.

Together with the swimming facility itself, there are rowing structures, oarlocks, there are carrying handles, a repair kit, a pumping apparatus, and a removable awning.

Boat dimensions: 152x330 cm, cockpit: 67x236 cm.The balloon is 42 cm in diameter. And the boat weighs 52 kg.

Cost - 32,650 rubles.

• Despite the weight, it is easy to carry thanks to the handles;
• Good load capacity and dimensions.

• Regular pump.

Inflatable boat HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290

The motor boat is made of reinforced PVC, the bottom varies depending on the modification, it can be inflatable or not, in the latter case, plywood, collapsible, is used. The transom is built-in, the keel is inflatable or absent.

The boat is designed for 2-3 places, carrying capacity: 300-350 kg, depending on the modification. It also affects the recommended engine power - 5-9.9 liters. With. Seating on inflatable seats.

Together with the watercraft there is: a wire rope, oars, oarlocks, handles, a pump, a repair kit.

Dimensions of the craft: length - 290 cm, width depends on the modification and can be 140-152 cm, cockpit: 63x192 cm. Cylinder in diameter: 39-42 cm. The boat weighs from 22 to 31 kg.

Cost - from 15,200 rubles.

• Ease of assembly of a product with an inflatable bottom;
• Easy to carry thanks to the handles and light weight;
• Holds up well in the water
• 2-3 adults are comfortable on board.

• Poor quality of payola plywood (impregnation), swells when exposed to water for a long time.

Which one to buy?

Making a choice and not making a mistake is important. Are you planning a long river rafting with friends? It is better to choose a spacious and durable boat. Do you like to sit in the evening with a fishing rod and think about life alone? A single, lightweight model is suitable. If you are a duck hunter, then feel free to take a stable vessel with a hard bottom.

Comfortable, beautiful, durable, with good running characteristics, the boat will delight the owner and make leisure time enjoyable.What transport is better to buy? The one that suits your needs. There are a lot of rubber inflatable boats, so every outdoor enthusiast will find his own model.